Most seven inches play at 33 1/3 RPM and do not have the large center hole. They have long been a staple of punk/indie/hardcore music. Generally, they are much less expensive to make than CD singles, and much cooler.

Most bands will record a two, three, or four song 7" after being together a few months, and seel them at the merch table during shows. They may also send some to Lumberjack or Saul Goodman for nationwide sales. These type of bands tend to release things more often than other types of bands, so the 7" is oftem a way of getting something out inbetween records.

Just go to your local independent record store (usually located around the local college) and ask for the 7" bin.